2018-19 Season Brochure for Renewing Subscribers by Mondavi Center

Season of Performing Arts

Director’s Introduction Dear Subscriber, Like the wines of our namesake benefactor, each Mondavi Center season has a unique character of its own. As our planning deepens, so does the character of the season; some of this is due to careful planning, but some is pure good fortune. As Branch Rickey used to say: “Luck is the residue of design.” In addition to the many things you expect of a Mondavi Center season—our sparkling Orchestra and Concert series; the Alexander String Quartet; the finest in modern dance and jazz—the 18–19 season features some intriguing themes. In these pages, keep an eye peeled for an abundance of vocalists, a plethora of talented pianists as well as a typically robust lineup of family and holiday events. We will turn the Vanderhoef Studio Theatre into an Irish pub for a run of Booker Prizewinning writer Roddy Doyle’s play Two Pints. And, in perhaps the most interesting twist, Maria Callas will emerge onstage with the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera to make her Mondavi Center debut through the cinematic magic of new holographic technology. You will find my DIRECTOR’S CHOICE shows marked throughout the book. These are performers that are perhaps not on your radar but truly should be. Year after year, our most enthusiastic audience compliments come from shows like these that have the capacity to surprise. As always, we encourage you to take the subscription journey, which inevitably brings you riches both expected and brand-new. I look forward to greeting you again this coming season.

DON ROTH, PH.D.

Cover: Marquis Hill Blacktet (see p. 14) This page: Akram Khan Company Chotto Desh (see p. 25) Photo by Jean Louis Fernandez

4 10 12 14 16 18 22 30 32 34

SERIES LISTINGS Orchestra Series Concert Series Jackson Hall Jazz Series Studio Jazz Series American Heritage Series With A Twist Series World Stage Series Dance Series Speakers Series Alexander String Quartet Series

EVENTS BY ADD-ON CATEGORIES 6 Vocal 8 Young Artists Competition 20 Visions 24 Family 28 Holidays 36 Events by Date 54 Engagement and Education 55 Giving 56 Discounts, Accessibility and Policies 57 How to Renew

JH Jackson Hall VST Vanderhoef Studio Theatre Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice event

y Renew b May 4!

Renew today! Get the most out of your Mondavi Center experience. Renewing your subscription is the best way to explore the diversity of the season while continuing to save up to 20 percent. Your deadline to renew—and keep your same seats—is May 4, 2018. Subscriptions go on sale to new subscribers on June 1, and prices will go up*, so now is the best time to reserve the best available seats at the best prices. Renewing your subscription(s) by May 4 allows you to: • Retain your current series seats or request a different location in advance of new subscribers and single-ticket buyers • Continue to receive the lowest ticket prices

* Please note: Prices listed in this brochure will be valid only during the subscription renewal period and cannot be guaranteed after May 4.

Bill Charlap Trio with Cécile McLorin Salvant { 2/9/17 } Photo © Barry Schwartz

Series Subscriptions Get the best available seats at the best prices. And remember, you can exchange any ticket up to the end of the business day before the show. Just give us a call!

Orchestra Our signature series showcasing preeminent orchestras from around the world, acclaimed soloists and expansive repertoire, all in the rich acoustic environment of Jackson Hall.

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Orchestra Series

Semyon Bychkov

Kirill Gerstein

DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

Czech Philharmonic

Mikhail Pletnev

George Li

Russian National Orchestra

Semyon Bychkov, MUSIC DIRECTOR &

Mikhail Pletnev, MUSIC DIRECTOR George Li, PIANO

Kirill Gerstein, PIANO

Rachmaninoff Vocalise Piano Concerto No. 2 Symphonic Dances

CHIEF CONDUCTOR

Tchaikovsky

Piano Concerto No. 1, in B-flat Minor Serenade for Strings, op. 48 Francesca da Rimini

MON, NOV

12 7PM

SAT, MAR

2 8PM

Jeremy Denk

Thomas Søndergård

Academy of St Martin in the Fields

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

60th Anniversary Tour Jeremy Denk, piano

Thomas Søndergård, MUSIC DIRECTOR Olga Kern, PIANO

Albinoni C.P.E. Bach Mozart Britten Haydn

Sibelius Symphony No. 7 in C Major, op. 105 Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, op. 43 Prokofiev Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major, op. 100

FRI, MAR

Concerto Op. 5, No. 5 in A Minor Symphony in E-flat Major, H. 654 Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414 Young Apollo for Piano and Strings Symphony No. 44 in E Minor, “Mourning”

SAT, APR

Olga Kern

6 8PM

8 8PM

Orchestra Series High-Demand Shows We strongly recommend buying the Orchestra Series subscription to guarantee seats.

$400/$317/$240/$176 4 EVENTS JACKSON HALL Orchestra Seating

18–19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |

Enhance your experience and make the most of your subscription benefits by adding on these very special events at a discount.

DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

Callas in Concert Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera Generations of opera lovers have only known American soprano Maria Callas from her immortal recordings. Callas in Concert celebrates her enduring power, drama and beauty through a cinematic experience that brings the beloved La Divina back to the stage. This remastered audio features iconic arias from Bellini, Bizet, Verdi and Puccini, all performed with the live accompaniment of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. Be among the first to witness this groundbreaking digital and laser holographic technology and toast the legacy of one of the 20th century’s great artists. SUN, SEP

Add-On

23 7PM JH $72 $55 $38

“There’s no better Rossini tenor today than Brownlee.” —Houston Press

“Owens is an American marvel.” —Chicago Sun Times

DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

Lawrence Brownlee and Eric Owens American tenor Lawrence Brownlee’s voice has been praised by NPR as “an instrument of great beauty and expression,” and earned him Male Singer of the Year awards from both the International Opera Awards and Bachtrack. Bass-baritone Eric Owens is an esteemed interpreter of classical works and a champion of new music. Equally at home in orchestral, recital and operatic repertoire, Owens brings his powerful poise, expansive voice and finely honed acting faculties to stages around the world. This vocal combination assures a rare duo performance by two exceptional musicians. MON, MAR

Add-On

11 7PM JH

$55 $38 $21

| ADD-ON AND SAVE! 1.866.754.2787

These Vocal events are not part of a series, but may be added on to any subscription package.

Vocal

Add-On Events

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Young Artists Competition

Add-On Events

Celebrating its 15th year, the Mondavi Center Young Artists Competition (YAC) supports young artists in the early stages of their careers, providing scholarships to further their musical studies as well as valuable performance opportunities to encourage their artistic growth. A panel of internationally renowned musicians juries the competition through live auditions in cities throughout the U.S., with winners selected in multiple instrumental categories. This year the competition features the Founders’ Prize in cello to U.S. residents ages 18–22 and the Young Artists Prize to California resident pianists and instrumentalists ages 12–17. NEW THIS YEAR: The Winners Concert will take place on the same day as the Competition Finals. The competition pass includes three events over two days:

Young Artists Finalists Showcase The Young Artists Competition weekend kicks off with a very special opportunity to meet the 2018 Founders’ Division finalists: eight of the most promising young American cellists rising today, selected through new partnerships with the Festival Napa Valley Blackburn Music Academy and the Sphinx Organization. FRI, APR

26 8PM VST

Young Artists Competition Finals Talented young instrumentalists and pianists from across the United States take the stage before an internationally renowned panel of judges to compete for cash scholarships and a spot in the Young Artists Competition Winners Concert. SAT, APR

27 10AM JH

Young Artists Competition Winners Concert Lara Downes hosts the celebratory concert featuring the newly-announced laureates of the 15th annual Mondavi Center Young Artists Competition. The competition is juried by a panel of internationally renowned musicians, with winners in multiple instrumental categories. SAT, APR

27 8PM VST

Young Artists Competition (all 3 events sold as a weekend pass) Add-On $42

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Pictured above: Past YAC winners from L to R: Stephen Waarts, 2009 Grand Prize; Hilda Huang, 2010 Grand Prize; Anush Avetisyan, 2012 Founders’ Prize; Daren Jackson, 2013 Founders’ Prize; Brannon Cho, 2015 Founders’ Prize.

Vocal

“Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure; where your treasure, there your heart; where your heart, there your happiness.” —Saint Augustine (One of Barbara K. Jackson’s favorite quotes.)

Add-On Events

Barbara K. Jackson Rising Stars of Opera San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows UC Davis Symphony Orchestra Since its inception in 2010, Rising Stars of Opera has featured vocal artistry, stirring arias and a glimpse at the opera stars of tomorrow; and every ticket has been free to the public thanks to Barbara K. Jackson. This year we celebrate our dear friend’s 100th birthday with an evening sure to contain a few surprises. What we can promise: a talented collection of young singers from the San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows program performing in recital and with full orchestral accompaniment from our own UC Davis Symphony Orchestra. THU, OCT

4 8PM JH

FREE. Limit 4 per order. This event does not count toward a CYO Subscription. 18–19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |

Concert Series

“A joy to be in his musical company.”

Sir James Galway, flute

—The Los Angeles Times on Pinchas Zukerman

Globally renowned as the ultimate interpreter of the classical flute repertoire, Sir James Galway is a consummate performer whose appeal transcends musical boundaries. His uniquely expressive interpretations span an extensive range of genres, from classical masterworks to high-profile commissions. He has also collaborated on film soundtracks such as The Lord of the Rings and partnered with such popular artists as Stevie Wonder and Sir Elton John. The diversity of Galway’s repertoire reflects his impressive musical range and has served to establish him as an artist of the very highest stature. SUN, OCT

14 7PM

Pinchas Zukerman, violin Violinist Pinchas Zukerman has remained a phenomenon in the world of classical music for more than four decades. The Tel Aviv native studied at Juilliard, and Mondavi Center audiences have come to know him as guest conductor and soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. But it is his violin playing, featured in this recital, that has drawn effusive praise throughout his career. In the words of The Herald (Glasgow) “His sound is utterly inimitable, as it has been for more than 30 years, from its intense sweetness on high to its throaty richness at the depths of the instrument … And the molten gold that streams from the instrument is completely breathtaking.” SAT, NOV

“An unmissable event.”

10 8PM

—Chicago Tribune on Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Vladimir Feltsman, piano

J.S. Bach Complete Brandenburg Concertos

Connections, Influences and Inspirations, Part II Brahms and Schumann

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) returns to the Mondavi Center to perform Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, works that unfailingly provide spiritual fulfillment for music lovers of all faiths and beliefs, inspiring strength at year’s end and a vision of the brightest future. The artistic core of CMS is a multigenerational, dynamic repertory company comprised of an evolving and unparalleled roster of performers. Demonstrating the belief that the future of chamber music lies in engaging and expanding the audience, these expert chamber musicians draw more people to the genre than any other organization of its kind. SAT, DEC

8 8PM

Sir James Galway

Pinchas Zukerman

WED, MAY

8 7PM

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Concert Series

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$124/$95/$62

3 EVENTS

JACKSON HALL Standard Seating

18–19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |

Studio Jazz Series

“A dauntingly skilled trumpeter.” —The New York Times on Marquis Hill

Marquis Hill Blacktet The first thing you note about trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill is his tone: warm, precise and so unlike the brittle winters in his hometown of Chicago. A winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2014, Hill has pursued performance and pedagogy in equal measure, releasing a string of intriguing recordings while fitting in teaching stints throughout the Midwest. Hill’s longtime quintet, dubbed the Blacktet, provides the power and drive to underpin a font of melodic and rhythmic ideas that embrace hard bop, R&B, hip hop and soul. WED, OCT

10 7PM THU–SAT, OCT 11–13 8PM

Veronica Swift with the Benny Green Trio

“One of Brazil’s best-kept secrets.” —EJAZZ News on Andre Mehari

André Mehmari From his youth, André Mehmari’s musical sensibility has known no borders, freely flowing between Frédéric Chopin, Scott Joplin and Ernesto Nazareth. From this wide-ranging foundation of his native Brazilian music, classical and jazz, the pianist and composer has forged a language of tremendous expressive power. His discography (more than 20 albums to date) and extensive list of collaborators speaks to the powerful pull of his curiosity, with the common thread being Mehmari’s blend of lyricism, dynamism and elegance.

At an age most artists are just launching their careers, Veronica Swift is a knowing veteran of the stage. But to be awed at her precocity misses the point. Swift is a fearless performer who displays deep and pure musicality in her singing and scatting, a truly rare gift. Her interplay with fellow musicians is a hallmark of her talent, and here she is matched with the remarkable hard bop pianist Benny Green and his trio. Expect new life breathed into nuggets from the Great American Songbook, Tin Pan Alley and beyond.

WED, JAN

30 7PM THU–SAT, JAN 31–FEB 2 8PM

WED, FEB

27 7PM THU–SAT, FEB 28–MAR 2 8PM

Studio Jazz Series WED–THU: $113 FRI–SAT: $142

3 EVENTS

VANDERHOEF STUDIO THEATRE Cabaret Seating

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“A master class on space and dynamics.” —JazzTimes on Veronica Swift

Studio Jazz Your favorite intimate jazz club, featuring emerging and established artists.

18–19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |

“What has given my life deep meaning, and unending pleasure, has been to use my voice in the battle against injustice.” —Joan Baez

American Heritage An ongoing exploration of the diversity and dynamism of the American musical landscape.

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American Heritage Series

Joan Baez

I’m With Her Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan For Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan, what began as an impromptu show in 2014 at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, Colorado, became the spark that formed I’m With Her, sending the trio of Americana multi-instrumentalists on a worldwide tour. Along the way, a special, family-like chemistry developed, garnering acclaim for the trio’s unique blend of instrumental interplay combined with their indelible harmonies “that could be sweetly ethereal, as tightly in tandem as the Everly Brothers or as hearty as mountain gospel” (The New York Times). Their debut album, See You Around, was released in February 2018. SUN, OCT

7 7PM

Fare Thee Well Tour Acclaimed artist and activist Joan Baez will begin a run of North American dates beginning on September 11 in Ithaca, New York. The extensive run of shows, following 50 U.K. and European dates, marks Baez’s last year of formal touring and includes stops at the historic Beacon Theatre in New York City and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. “I’m looking forward to being on the road with a beautiful new album of which I am truly proud,” says Baez. “I welcome the opportunity to share this new music as well as longtime favorites with my audiences around the world.” Each ticket purchased includes a download of Baez’s latest album Whistle Down the Wind (Bobolink/Razor and Tie Records). WED, NOV

14 8PM

Limit 4 per order.

DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

Las Cafeteras and Villalobos Brothers Las Cafeteras, the “uniquely Angeleno mishmash of punk, hip hop, beat music, cumbia and rock,” (Los Angeles Times) are remixing roots music and telling modern-day stories. Using traditional instruments infused with fresh remixing and multilingual lyricism, the band uses music as a vehicle to build cultural bridges and create “a world where many worlds fit.” Born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico, the Villalobos Brothers are internationally acclaimed as one of today’s leading contemporary Mexican ensembles, creating original compositions and arrangements that masterfully blend the richness of Mexican folk music with the intricate harmonies of jazz and classical music. FRI, JAN

25 8PM

I’m With Her

We Shall Overcome featuring Damien Sneed A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Inspired by the words and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., We Shall Overcome ties together a living lineage of music and culture that includes traditional gospel, modern gospel, classical, jazz, Broadway and spirituals. Five astounding singers and a quartet of musicians led by music director Damien Sneed bring together songs from Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Donny Hathaway, as well as traditional spirituals to evoke the inspirations, struggles and triumphs of civil rights activists and defenders. FRI,

Villalobos Brothers

MAR 1 8PM

We Shall Overcome featuring Damien Sneed

Las Cafeteras

American Heritage Series The best seats at the best prices.

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$218/$165/$112

4 EVENTS

JACKSON HALL Standard Seating

18–19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |

With A Twist Series

Sammy Miller and The Congregation

“This is feel-good party jazz, harking back to the ’20s and ’30s. It’s got the raw uplifting vibe of a New Orleans street parade.” —SF Weekly

Sammy Miller and The Congregation make music that entertains and enriches—but most of all, uplifts. Upon completing his master’s degree at The Juilliard School, Miller formed The Congregation, a band focused on sharing the power of community through music. While all the musicians in the sextet are in-demand players, they have opted to stick together to spread joy throughout the world. In addition to being fine players, the group’s onstage antics add an extra dash of uplift to a style of music they like to call joyful jazz. Fans of The Hot Sardines and Jon Batiste should not miss this Mondavi Center debut. FRI, NOV

9 8PM

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Using instruments primarily bought with loose change, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is a group of allsinging, all-strumming players who believe that every genre of music is available for reinterpretation, so long as they are played on the ukulele. The orchestra uses the limitations of the instrument to create a musical freedom that reveals unsuspected musical insights. As Mondavi Center audiences know very well, a concert by “the Ukes” is a funny, virtuosic, twanging, awesome, foot-stomping party of rock ’n’ roll and melodious entertainment, featuring only the “bonsai guitar” and a menagerie of voices. TUE, APR

2 7PM

Storm Large & Le Bonheur As her name portends, Storm Large is every bit the natural phenomenon. After shooting to prominence on Rock Star: Supernova, Large has built a career that includes regular gigs with Pink Martini and the Oregon Symphony as well as her own one-woman shows Crazy Enough and Cabaret. With her longtime band, Le Bonheur, Large leads a bold show that includes the Great American Songbook, Broadway standards, rock anthems and some of her own original songs—alongside some unfiltered stage banter that will entertain and perhaps elicit a few blushes along the way. FRI, MAY

3 8PM

With A Twist Series $140/$108/$76 3 EVENTS JACKSON HALL Standard Seating

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“Sensational.” —The New York Times on Storm Large

With A Twist All is not what it seems in this quirky series where you can expect the unexpected!

18–19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |

Get up close and personal with some of the most innovative artists working today, in spaces that encourage engagement and discovery.

DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

Abbey Theatre Two Pints by Roddy Doyle Two men meet for a pint. They talk about their Da’s, death, Nigella, North Korea, the afterlife. This is the making of Roddy Doyle’s hilarious and provocative Two Pints, which started as a series of conversations on Facebook and has since evolved into an immersive play from Abbey Theatre of Dublin and coming to Vanderhoef Studio Theatre Pub. Two Pints exemplifies the company’s vision to imaginatively engage its audiences to become part of the conversation, experienced here through interactions with these fascinating Dubliners. Pull up a stool and listen in as two men, over a couple of pints, chew the fat and set the world to rights. WED, MAY

8 THU–SAT, MAY 9–11

Explore the season!

7PM VST 8PM VST

Add-On $30

Add-On

Take advantage of your season-long subscriber discount to try something new. These Visions events are not part of a series, but may be added on to any subscription package.

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Visions

Add-On Events

Lara Downes, piano and Theo Bleckmann, voice In Our Time: Ellington, Bernstein and Weill Pianist Lara Downes and vocalist Theo Bleckmann present a duo cabaret showcasing the music of Leonard Bernstein, Duke Ellington and Kurt Weill. A window into the lives and music of these composers as they captured the quickly-changing world of the 1940s, In Our Time is nostalgic yet timeless, and infused with the magnetic charisma for which Downes and Bleckmann are recognized. Inspired by Downes’ recent tribute album For Lenny, the evening will feature works by Bernstein and his fellow travelers through mid-century America: Marc Blitzstein, Charlie Chaplin, Duke Ellington, Morton Gould, Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Kurt Weill. SAT, JAN

26 8PM JH STAGE

Add-On $30

Explore the season!

Add-On

Take advantage of your season-long subscriber discount to try something new.

Vijay Iyer and Matt Haimovitz Cellist Matt Haimovitz, an artist whose barrier-breaking performances have taken him around the world, collaborates with renowned pianist and composer Vijay Iyer in a program that truly defies definition. Repertoire from Iyer’s catalogue, plus the music of Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, J. S. Bach, Ravi Shankar, Billy Strayhorn and others, flow seamlessly, creating a night of unprecedented virtuosity and depth. Duets are the centerpiece but expect solo performances by each of these mesmerizing players. SUN, MAR

10 2PM & 7PM VST CABARET

Add-On $30

18–19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |

World Stage A musical journey around the globe with some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest cultural ambassadors.

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World Stage Series

“Like beautiful messages from another world.” —BBC Radio on Julie Fowlis

Julie Fowlis For an artist who will forever be known for “Touch the Sky,” the stirring theme song from the Disney/Pixar film Brave, Julie Fowlis is anything but a one-hit wonder. Fowlis, a native of the Outer Hebrides, is one of the preeminent modern interpreters of traditional Gaelic songs and a deeply knowledgeable scholar of Highland and Gaelic culture. Her latest album, alterum, is a continued exploration of those storied traditions and further evidence of her unique gift. Following a sold-out run in the Vanderhoef Studio Theatre in 2015, we are pleased to welcome her to Jackson Hall. SAT, OCT

13 8PM

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández Inspired at a young age to rescue the historic dance traditions of Mexico, Amalia Hernández founded the Ballet Folklórico de México in 1952 with the goal of sharing the beauty of the universe in motion through Mexican dance. From the pre-Columbian era to the Hispanic viceroy period and the revolutionary years, her ballets transport audiences on a journey from the present through the past—the lords of heaven and earth come back to life, as well as the jaguars and the gods born of human flesh—disseminating rich Mexican tradition and folklore throughout the world. WED, OCT

24 7PM

Havana Cuba All-Stars U.S. Encore Tour featuring Banda Asere and Dancers Back by popular demand, this high-energy ensemble of exceptional Cuban musicians and dancers is dedicated to promoting the entire tapestry of Cuban music through a fresh, contemporary lens. With rhythms and melodies from the cha-cha to the rumba, from son Cubano–style to the salsa, the Havana Cuba All-Stars are joined by three of Cuba’s finest dancing couples. With the greatest dancers and musicians of Cuba working in tandem, the American encore of the Havana Cuba All-Stars’ tour will be a spirited spectacle of song and dance, exemplifying Cuba’s greatest musical traditions. FRI, APR

12 8PM

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“Heart, mind, soul, passion, full-out dancing and introspective solos that bridged the history of minstrel days with present struggles.” —The Herald Sun on Camille A. Brown & Dancers

Dance Choreography, music and impeccably trained dancers come together to create unique expressions of the human experience.

18–19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |

Speakers

Photo by Joan Marcus/Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Provocative and engaging talks from some of the most pioneering and inspirational thinkers of our time.

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Speakers Series

Preet Bharara

Jodi Kantor

During his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara earned a reputation as one of “the nation’s most aggressive and outspoken prosecutors” (The New York Times), with a special focus on big banks, terrorists, hedge funds and public corruption. Since leaving the U.S. Attorney’s office, Bharara has kept busy as a distinguished scholar-in-residence at the NYU School of Law, as the creator of the podcast Stay Tuned with Preet, focusing on justice and fairness, and as an outspoken Twitter presence.

When Jodi Kantor, along with Megan Twohey, broke the story of Harvey Weinstein’s decades of alleged abuse, she sparked a movement exposing systematic abuses across industries. In a riveting program, Kantor takes audiences behind the scenes of investigative journalism, showing how she and her colleagues expose secrets that have been hidden for decades and what makes a story impactful. In exploring the resonance of the Weinstein investigation, she tackles topics such as common patterns and means of intimidation, as well as why so many women are now finding their voices and why people are finally listening.

MON, OCT

8 7PM

MON, MAR

4 7PM

DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

Douglas Abrams Campus Community Book Project

John Leguizamo

When Douglas Abrams organized a weeklong meeting between Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, he had profound doubts about his role facilitating a conversation between the two iconic leaders. The result of those conversations, The Book of Joy, shows that the longtime author, editor and literary agent was the perfect person to capture the shared compassionate, hopeful outlook of these two larger-than-life figures. Especially moving for the Campus Community Book Project selection committee was the book’s potential for addressing mental health and well-being topics within a larger discussion on community building.

With boundless energy and visceral creativity, John Leguizamo has created a body of work in film, theater, television and literature that defies categorization. His award-winning one-man stage shows feature his trademark unabashed, uncensored and uninhibited take on being Latino in America. He has brought his intensity to Shakespeare and his sensitivity to a slew of indie dramas— including his role as a drag queen in To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar!, which garnered him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His most recent stage show, Latin History for Morons, continues his cultural exploration in “a funny and surprisingly poignant quest for the perfect Latino hero” (The New York Times).

MON, FEB

4 7:30PM WED, APR

Preet Bharara

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John Leguizamo

Douglas Abrams

3 7PM

Jodi Kantor

Speakers Series Sponsored by

$152/$116/$80

4 EVENTS

JACKSON HALL Speakers Seating

18–19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |

ASQ Series

The Complete Shostakovich String Quartets

ASQ Series 1

Join the Alexander String Quartet as they explore the complete string quartets of Shostakovich over two seasons.

2PM $242

Dmitri Shostakovich

Renowned musicologist, author and composer Robert Greenberg provides commentary throughout the concert.

ASQ Series 2 The quartet performs this program without intermission, then remains for a Q&A session with the audience.

The musical career of Dmitri Shostakovich (1906–1975) mirrored exactly the rise and history of the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1975. He entered the Petrograd Conservatory at the very end of the Tsarist era; he witnessed the Revolution and began his career during Lenin’s rule; he was nearly purged twice by Stalin; he flourished under Khrushchev and died while Brezhnev was in power. Shostakovich was a survivor and a great composer, and his fear and self-loathing, his courage and experience found their way into his music. As such, Shostakovich is not just the most important composer of string quartets and symphonies from the 1920s to the 1970s; even more, he and his music stand as witnesses to the rise and failures of the Soviet Union, one of the defining events of the 20th century.

7PM $208

Robert Greenberg

Mozart

Quartet No. 2 for Piano and Strings in E-flat Major, K. 493

Samuel Adams

NEW WORK—Quintet for Piano and Strings

Brahms

Quintet for Piano and Strings in F Minor, op. 34

(2PM VST performances only) Robert Greenberg is music historianin-residence with San Francisco Performances. A graduate of Princeton University, Greenberg holds a Ph.D. in music composition from the University of California, Berkeley, and has seen his compositions—which include more than 45 works for a wide variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles—performed all over the world.

Shostakovich SUN, SEP

String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, op. 49 String Quartet No. 2 in A Major, op. 68

30 2PM & 7PM VST

Shostakovich SUN, DEC

Shostakovich SUN, MAY

String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, op. 73 String Quartet No. 4 in D Major, op. 83

2PM & 7PM VST String Quartet No. 5 in B-flat Major, op. 92 String Quartet No. 6 in G Major, op. 101

19 2PM & 7PM VST

Special Series Event with Joyce Yang, piano

SUN, JUN

2PM JH

The Mondavi Center is a proud co-commissioner of a new work by Samuel Adams for the Alexander String Quartet and pianist Joyce Yang. This special series event will take place in Jackson Hall, and present Adams’ quintet alongside two treasured pieces of chamber music by Mozart and Brahms. Robert Greenberg will not provide commentary for this event.

ASQ Series ASQ 1: $242 / ASQ 2: $208 4 EVENTS VANDERHOEF STUDIO THEATRE Standard Seating

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Joyce Yang

Alexander String Quartet The Alexander String Quartet is a major artistic presence in its home base of San Francisco, but is equally beloved in its second home: the Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. The group returns for its 17th consecutive year on the Mondavi Center season.

18â&#x20AC;&#x201C;19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |

Explore the Entire Season Whether you are looking to ADD-ON shows to your series or create a spectacular CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN SUBSCRIPTION, this chronological listing of all our events is a great way to get acquainted with the season.

September Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Spaces featuring Lil Buck and Jared Grimes At its swinging heart, jazz is dance music, built on rhythms that have inspired the greatest tap dancers and given rise to dance crazes like the jitterbug. Inspired by the variety of movements in the animal kingdom, Wynton Marsalis’ Spaces is a 10-part suite described as a “jazz Carnival of the Animals” (Financial Times). This evening-length work features two extraordinary dancers interpreting everything from snakes to chickens: Charles “Lil Buck” Riley, a specialist in a street dance called jookin’; and tap dancer Jared Grimes.

SAT, SEPTEMBER 22, 2018 8PM • JH Add-On

$55 $42 $23

SAT, SEP

SUN, SEP

Jackson Hall Jazz Series, see p. 13

SUN, SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 7PM • JH Add-On

$72 $55 $38

Alexander String Quartet The Complete Shostakovich String Quartets Shostakovich

String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, op. 49 String Quartet No. 2 in A Major, op. 68

SUN, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 2PM & 7PM • VST Add-On

$67 (2PM)

$55 (7PM)

ASQ Series, see p. 34

Director’s Choice event

Subscribe today and get the best seats at the best prices. MONDAVIARTS.ORG | 1.866.754.2787

October Barbara K. Jackson Rising Stars of Opera San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows UC Davis Symphony Orchestra Since its inception in 2010, Rising Stars of Opera has featured vocal artistry, stirring arias and a glimpse at the opera stars of tomorrow; and every ticket has been free to the public thanks to Barbara K. Jackson. This year we celebrate our dear friend’s 100th birthday with an evening sure to contain a few surprises. What we can promise: a talented collection of young singers from the San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows program performing in recital and with full orchestral accompaniment from our own UC Davis Symphony Orchestra. THU, OCT

THU, OCTOBER 4, 2018 8PM • JH FREE. Limit 4 per order.

This event does not count toward a CYO subscription.

I’m With Her Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan

SUN, OCT

For Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan, what began as an impromptu show in 2014 at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, Colorado, became the spark that formed I’m With Her, sending the trio of Americana multiinstrumentalists on a worldwide tour. Along the way, a special, family-like chemistry developed, garnering acclaim for the trio’s unique blend of instrumental interplay combined with their indelible harmonies “that could be sweetly ethereal, as tightly in tandem as the Everly Brothers or as hearty as mountain gospel” (The New York Times). Their debut album, See You Around, was released in February 2018.

SUN, OCTOBER 7, 2018 7PM • JH Add-On

$42 $31 $21

American Heritage Series, see p. 17

Preet Bharara During his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara earned a reputation as one of “the nation’s most aggressive and outspoken prosecutors” (The New York Times), with a special focus on big banks, terrorists, hedge funds and public corruption. Since leaving the U.S. Attorney’s office, Bharara has kept busy as a distinguished scholar-inresidence at the NYU School of Law, as the creator of the podcast Stay Tuned with Preet, focusing on justice and fairness, and as an outspoken Twitter presence. MON, OCT

MON, OCTOBER 8, 2018 7PM • JH Add-On

$38 $30 $21

Speakers Series, see p. 33

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October Marquis Hill Blacktet The first thing you note about trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill is his tone: warm, precise and so unlike the brittle winters in his hometown of Chicago. A winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2014, Hill has pursued performance and pedagogy in equal measure, releasing a string of intriguing recordings while fitting in teaching stints throughout the Midwest. Hill’s longtime quintet, dubbed the Blacktet, provides the power and drive to underpin a font of melodic and rhythmic ideas that embrace hard bop, R&B, hip hop and soul.

WED, OCTOBER 10, 2018 7PM • VST CABARET THU–SAT, OCTOBER 11–13, 2018 8PM • VST CABARET Add-On WED/THU $40 Add-On FRI/SAT $50 Studio Jazz Series, see p. 14

WED–SAT, OCT

10–13

SAT, OCTOBER 13, 2018 8PM • JH Add-On

$38 $30 $21

World Stage Series, see p. 23

SAT, OCT

SUN, OCT

Sir James Galway, flute Globally renowned as the ultimate interpreter of the classical flute repertoire, Sir James Galway is a consummate performer whose appeal transcends musical boundaries. His uniquely expressive interpretations span an extensive range of genres, from classical masterworks to high-profile commissions. He has also collaborated on film soundtracks such as The Lord of the Rings and partnered with such popular artists as Stevie Wonder and Sir Elton John. The diversity of Galway’s repertoire reflects his impressive musical range and has served to establish him as an artist of the very highest stature.

SUN, OCTOBER 14, 2018 7PM • JH Add-On

$76 $61 $47

Concert Series, see p. 10

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October SFJAZZ Collective Music of Antônio Carlos Jobim An all-star ensemble comprising eight of the finest performer/ composers at work in jazz today, the SFJAZZ Collective’s mission each year is to perform fresh arrangements of works by a modern master—and newly commissioned pieces by each Collective member. The challenge this year? Picking only eight songs from the massive catalog of bossa nova master Antônio Carlos Jobim, which includes the smash hits “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Desafinado” and “Corcovado.” Whatever the repertoire, one thing is certain: The SFJAZZ Collective packs intelligence, humor, virtuosity and emotion into every performance WED, OCT

WED, OCTOBER 17, 2018 7PM • JH Add-On

$38 $30 $21

Jackson Hall Jazz Series, see p. 13

Company Wang Ramirez Borderline

TUE, OCT

Sébastien Ramirez and Honji Wang create dance-theater works that are deeply rooted in hip hop and street culture, but also thrive on blending different artistic traditions to enlightening artistic effect. Created for six performers—five dancers and an aerial rigger—Borderline is a series of stunning and intimate vignettes about human relationships, love and hate, joy and sorrow, and how the dialogue between technique and creativity takes flight. The performers thwart gravity and defy borders with movements both poetic and primal, set to an atmospheric original soundtrack that incorporates electronica, spoken word and trance guitar.

TUE, OCTOBER 23, 2018 7PM • JH Add-On $42 $31 $21 Dance Series, see p. 30

WED, OCTOBER 24, 2018 7PM • JH Add-On

$38 $30 $21

World Stage Series, see p. 23

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October-November Cirque Mechanics 42FT—A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels Cirque Mechanics finds its roots in the mechanical and its heart in the stories of American industrial ingenuity. Inspired by the traditional diameter of a circus ring, 42FT showcases the timelessness of this evolving art form. The company’s latest invention features a story full of the lore of the one-ring circus and creates a welcoming place, like a big top, where we can be amazed by a galloping mechanical metal horse and a rotating tent frame for strongmen, acrobats and aerialists.

SUN, OCTOBER 28, 2018 2PM • JH Add-On

$38 $30 $21 SUN, OCT

Nobuntu The word “Nobuntu” is an African concept that values humbleness, love, unity and family from a woman’s perspective. This exhilarating female a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe embodies their name, presenting luminous shows that feature a fusion of traditional Zimbabwean music, Afro jazz and gospel. Pure voices, minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments and authentic dance are the powerful tools that these award-winning, gifted performers use to preserve their cultural heritage while also promoting positive change through the unifying power of music.

THU–FRI, NOVEMBER 1–2, 2018 8PM • VST CABARET Add-On $40 THU–FRI, NOV

Igor Levit, piano

1–2

Winner of Gramophone magazine’s Recording of the Year award in 2016, Igor Levit has established himself as “one of the essential artists of his generation” (The New York Times). Highly anticipated debuts in recent seasons include performances with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestras, and a 2017 performance on the BBC Proms’ opening night alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra. His debut recital at the Mondavi Center features a program rich with thematic interconnections and virtuosity. Bach (arr. Brahms) Busoni Schumann Wagner (arr. Liszt) Liszt (arr. Busoni)

Chaconne in D Minor Fantasia after J.S. Bach Geistervariationen (Ghost Variations) Parsifal: Solemn March to the Holy Grail Fantasy and Fugue on the Chorale

FRI, NOV

FRI, NOVEMBER 2, 2018 8PM • JH STAGE Add-On $55

Director’s Choice event

November Akram Khan Company Chotto Desh Chotto Desh, meaning “small homeland,” draws on choreographer Akram Khan’s unique ability to tell crosscultural stories, creating a compelling tale of a young man’s dreams and memories from Britain to Bangladesh. Using a magical mix of dance, text, visuals and sound, Chotto Desh celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the modern world and promises to be a thrilling and poignant dance theater experience for families to enjoy together.

SUN, NOVEMBER 4, 2018 2PM • JH Add-On

SUN, NOV

$38 $30 $21

Sammy Miller and The Congregation Sammy Miller and The Congregation make music that entertains and enriches—but most of all, uplifts. Upon completing his master’s degree at The Juilliard School, Miller formed The Congregation, a band focused on sharing the power of community through music. While all the musicians in the sextet are in-demand players, they have opted to stick together to spread joy throughout the world. In addition to being fine players, the group’s onstage antics add an extra dash of uplift to a style of music they like to call joyful jazz. Fans of The Hot Sardines and Jon Batiste should not miss this Mondavi Center debut.

FRI, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 8PM • JH Add-On

$38 $30 $21

With A Twist Series, see p. 18

FRI, NOV

SAT, NOVEMBER 10, 2018 8PM • JH Add-On

$67 $53 $38

Concert Series, see p. 10

SAT, NOV

10 Director’s Choice event

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November-December Czech Philharmonic Semyon Bychkov, music director & chief conductor Kirill Gerstein, piano For over a century, the Czech Philharmonic has represented the pinnacle of Czech cultural achievement. In 1896, Dvořák conducted the Czech Philharmonic’s debut performance at the Rudolfinum in Prague. In 1908, Mahler conducted the Czech Philharmonic for the world premiere of his Symphony No. 7. Semyon Bychkov, an exceptional conductor in his first season as music director with the Czech Philharmonic, leads an all-Tchaikovsky evening featuring pianist Kirill Gerstein performing the original, less-bombastic, more lyrical version of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor.

MON, NOVEMBER 12, 2018 7PM • JH Add-On

$106 $84 $64

$47

MON, NOV

WED, NOV

Orchestra Series, see p. 5

Joan Baez Fare Thee Well Tour Acclaimed artist and activist Joan Baez will begin a run of North American dates beginning on September 11 in Ithaca, New York. The extensive run of shows, following 50 U.K. and European dates, marks Baez’s last year of formal touring and includes stops at the historic Beacon Theatre in New York City and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. “I’m looking forward to being on the road with a beautiful new album of which I am truly proud,” says Baez. “I welcome the opportunity to share this new music as well as longtime favorites with my audiences around the world.” Each ticket purchased includes a download of Baez’s latest album Whistle Down the Wind (Bobolink/ Razor and Tie Records).

WED, NOVEMBER 14, 2018 8PM • JH Add-On

$106 $81 $55

Limit 4 per order.

American Heritage Series, see p. 17

Camille A. Brown & Dancers “I am fascinated with tying history to my personal experiences and bringing those things to life.” So says Camille A. Brown, whose company makes its Mondavi Center debut this season. Brown, a former dancer with Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, leads her troupe through dazzling excavations of ancestral stories— with a keen sense of theatricality, gutsy moves and deep musicality. This program features four works representing her far-reaching talent: Mr. TOL E. RAncE (2012); excerpts from BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play (2015) and ink (2017); and New Second Line.

SAT, DECEMBER 1, 2018 8PM • JH Add-On

SAT, DEC

$42 $31 $21

Dance Series, see p. 30 Subscribe today and get the best seats at the best prices. MONDAVIARTS.ORG | 1.866.754.2787

December Alexander String Quartet The Complete Shostakovich String Quartets Shostakovich

String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, op. 73 String Quartet No. 4 in D Major, op. 83

SUN, DECEMBER 2, 2018 2PM & 7PM • VST Add-On

$67 (2PM)

$55 (7PM)

ASQ Series, see p. 34

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center SUN, DEC

J.S. Bach Complete Brandenburg Concertos The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) returns to the Mondavi Center to perform Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, works that unfailingly provide spiritual fulfillment for music lovers of all faiths and beliefs, inspiring strength at year’s end and a vision of the brightest future. The artistic core of CMS is a multigenerational, dynamic repertory company comprised of an evolving and unparalleled roster of performers. Demonstrating the belief that the future of chamber music lies in engaging and expanding the audience, these expert chamber musicians draw more people to the genre than any other organization of its kind.

SAT, DECEMBER 8, 2018 8PM • JH Add-On

$76 $61 $47

Concert Series, see p. 10

SAT, DEC

Boston Brass Christmas Bells Are Swinging For 31 years, Boston Brass has set out to establish a one-of-a-kind musical experience. The ensemble’s lively repartee, touched with humor and personality, attempts to bridge the ocean of classical formality and delight audiences with an evening of great music and boisterous fun. For this holiday concert, Boston Brass performs the swinging seasonal chart-toppers made famous by Stan Kenton and His Orchestra, combined with some solo and combo selections as well as fun surprises.

SUN, DECEMBER 16, 2018 2PM • JH Add-On

SUN, DEC

$47 $34 $21

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January Las Cafeteras and Villalobos Brothers Las Cafeteras, the “uniquely Angeleno mishmash of punk, hip hop, beat music, cumbia and rock,” (Los Angeles Times) are remixing roots music and telling modern-day stories. Using traditional instruments infused with fresh remixing and multilingual lyricism, the band uses music as a vehicle to build cultural bridges and create “a world where many worlds fit.” Born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico, the Villalobos Brothers are internationally acclaimed as one of today’s leading contemporary Mexican ensembles, creating original compositions and arrangements that masterfully blend the richness of Mexican folk music with the intricate harmonies of jazz and classical music.

FRI, JANUARY 25, 2019 8PM • JH Add-On

$42 $31 $21

FRI, JAN

SAT, JAN

American Heritage Series, see p. 17

SAT, JANUARY 26, 2019 8PM • JH STAGE Add-On $30

WED, JANUARY 30, 2019 7PM • VST CABARET THU–SAT, JANUARY 31–FEBRUARY 2, 2019 8PM • VST CABARET Add-On WED/THU Add-On FRI/SAT

30–FEB 2

$40 $50

Studio Jazz Series, see p. 14

WED–SAT, JAN

MONDAVIARTS.ORG | 1.866.754.2787

February Douglas Abrams Campus Community Book Project When Douglas Abrams organized a weeklong meeting between Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, he had profound doubts about his role facilitating a conversation between the two iconic leaders. The result of those conversations, The Book of Joy, shows that the longtime author, editor and literary agent was the perfect person to capture the shared compassionate, hopeful outlook of these two larger-than-life figures. Especially moving for the Campus Community Book Project selection committee was the book’s potential for addressing mental health and well-being topics within a larger discussion on community building. MON, FEB

MON, FEBRUARY 4, 2019 7:30PM • JH Add-On

$38 $30 $21

Speakers Series, see p. 33

SUN, FEBRUARY 10, 2019 2PM • JH Add-On

$38 $30 $21

Curtis on Tour Curtis Opera Theatre Vocal Quartet The Mondavi Center’s longstanding partnership with Curtis on Tour brings us an ensemble of four vocalists from the Curtis Opera Theatre in a program of operatic favorites—arias, duets and ensemble pieces—as well as gems from the Great American Songbook and Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes. This tour celebrates the Curtis Opera Theatre’s legacy of educating and training many of the world’s most gifted singers. Curtis on Tour is the Nina von Maltzahn global touring initiative of the Curtis Institute of Music, and its alumni are engaged regularly at the world’s great opera houses and professional training programs. THU, FEB

THU, FEBRUARY 14, 2019 8PM • JH FREE. Limit 4 per order.

This event does not count toward a CYO subscription.

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February-March Veronica Swift with the Benny Green Trio At an age most artists are just launching their careers, Veronica Swift is a knowing veteran of the stage. But to be awed at her precocity misses the point. Swift is a fearless performer who displays deep and pure musicality in her singing and scatting, a truly rare gift. Her interplay with fellow musicians is a hallmark of her talent, and here she is matched with the remarkable hard bop pianist Benny Green and his trio. Expect new life breathed into nuggets from the Great American Songbook, Tin Pan Alley and beyond.

WED, FEBRUARY 27, 2019 7PM • VST CABARET THU–SAT, FEBRUARY 28–MARCH 2, 2019 8PM • VST CABARET Add-On WED/THU Add-On FRI/SAT

$40 $50

WED–SAT, FEB

27–MAR 2

Studio Jazz Series, see p. 14

We Shall Overcome featuring Damien Sneed A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Inspired by the words and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., We Shall Overcome ties together a living lineage of music and culture that includes traditional gospel, modern gospel, Classical, jazz, Broadway and spirituals. Five astounding singers and a quartet of musicians led by music director Damien Sneed bring together songs from Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Donny Hathaway, as well as traditional spirituals to evoke the inspirations, struggles and triumphs of civil rights activists and defenders.

FRI, MARCH 1, 2019 8PM • JH Add-On

FRI, MAR

SAT, MAR

$42 $31 $21

American Heritage Series, see p. 17

Russian National Orchestra Mikhail Pletnev, music director George Li, piano The Russian National Orchestra (RNO) was founded in 1990 by pianist and conductor Mikhail Pletnev and is today recognized as one of the world’s top orchestras. The RNO has been described as “a living symbol of the best in Russian art” (Miami Herald). This return engagement features an all-Rachmaninoff program, with pianist George Li tackling the remarkable “Rach 2,” a piece dedicated to Nikolai Dahl, the physician who aided Rachmaninoff’s recovery from severe depression and writer’s block.

SAT, MARCH 2, 2019 8PM • JH Add-On

$106 $84 $64

$47

Orchestra Series, see p. 5

Director’s Choice event

MONDAVIARTS.ORG | 1.866.754.2787

March Jodi Kantor When Jodi Kantor, along with Megan Twohey, broke the story of Harvey Weinstein’s decades of alleged abuse, she sparked a movement exposing systematic abuses across industries. In a riveting program, Kantor takes audiences behind the scenes of investigative journalism, showing how she and her colleagues expose secrets that have been hidden for decades and what makes a story impactful. In exploring the resonance of the Weinstein investigation, she tackles topics such as common patterns and means of intimidation, as well as why so many women are now finding their voices and why people are finally listening.

MON, MARCH 4, 2019 7PM • JH Add-On MON, MAR

$38 $30 $21

Speakers Series, see p. 33

Academy of St Martin in the Fields 60th Anniversary Tour Jeremy Denk, piano Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the world’s best-known chamber orchestra returns with pianist Jeremy Denk to perform notable firsts from its acclaimed repertoire—including the Albinoni Concerto Op. 5, No. 5 (the first piece the orchestra played at St Martin in the Fields Church in 1959) and Piano Concerto No. 12, the first Mozart piano concerto recorded by the Academy.

FRI, MARCH 8, 2019 8PM • JH Add-On

$106 $84 $64

$47

Orchestra Series, see p. 5 FRI, MAR

SUN, MARCH 10, 2019 2PM & 7PM • VST CABARET Add-On $30

SUN, MAR

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March-April Lawrence Brownlee and Eric Owens Bel Canto translates from Italian as “beautiful singing”—an apt description for American tenor Lawrence Brownlee. His voice, praised by NPR as “an instrument of great beauty and expression,” earned him Male Singer of the Year awards from both the International Opera Awards and Bachtrack. Sharing the stage with Brownlee is bass-baritone Eric Owens, an esteemed interpreter of classical works and a champion of new music. Equally at home in orchestral, recital and operatic repertoire, Owens brings his powerful poise, expansive voice and instinctive acting faculties to stages around the world. This vocal combination assures us a rare duo performance by two exceptional musicians.

MON, MARCH 11, 2019 7PM • JH Add-On

$55 $38 $21

MON, MAR

SUN, MAR

Eileen Ivers and JigJam St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Get ready for great craic at our annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! The evening starts off with a pre-concert beer tasting in the Yocha Dehe Lobby, and then the celebration ramps up with the Mondavi Center debut of JigJam. This powerhouse quartet from the heart of the midlands blends traditional Irish music with bluegrass and Americana for a concoction all their energetic own. Next up is Grammy Award–winner Eileen Ivers, one of the great innovators and pioneers in the Celtic and world music genres. Her list of accomplishments is dizzying and her stage show “electrifies the crowd with a dazzling show of virtuoso playing” (The Irish Times).

SUN, MARCH 17, 2019 7PM • JH Add-On

$47 $34 $21

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Using instruments primarily bought with loose change, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is a group of all-singing, all-strumming players who believe that every genre of music is available for reinterpretation, so long as they are played on the ukulele. The orchestra uses the limitations of the instrument to create a musical freedom that reveals unsuspected musical insights. As Mondavi Center audiences know very well, a concert by “the Ukes” is a funny, virtuosic, twanging, awesome, footstomping party of rock ’n’ roll and melodious entertainment, featuring only the “bonsai guitar” and a menagerie of voices.

TUE, APRIL 2, 2019 7PM • JH Add-On

TUE, APR

$72 $55 $38

With A Twist Series, see p. 18

Director’s Choice event

MONDAVIARTS.ORG | 1.866.754.2787

April John Leguizamo With boundless energy and visceral creativity, John Leguizamo has created a body of work in film, theater, television and literature that defies categorization. His award-winning one-man stage shows feature his trademark unabashed, uncensored and uninhibited take on being Latino in America. He has brought his intensity to Shakespeare and his sensitivity to a slew of indie dramas—including his role as a drag queen in To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar!, which garnered him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His most recent stage show, Latin History for Morons, continues his cultural exploration in “a funny and surprisingly poignant quest for the perfect Latino hero” (The New York Times). WED, APR

WED, APRIL 3, 2019 7PM • JH Add-On

$47 $34 $21

Speakers Series, see p. 33

Royal Scottish National Orchestra Thomas Søndergård, music director Olga Kern, piano Throughout its history, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has played an integral part in Scotland’s musical life, performing regularly in concert halls throughout Scotland, at the Edinburgh International Festival and at the BBC Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård, newly installed as the RSNO’s music director, leads a crowd-pleasing program, with Olga Kern, winner of the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, playing Rachmaninoff’s everpopular Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. SAT, APR

SAT, APRIL 6, 2019 8PM • JH Add-On

$106 $84 $64

$47

Orchestra Series, see p. 5

WED, APRIL 10, 2019 7PM • JH WED, APR

Subscribe Today and Save!

Add-On

$55 $43 $30

Dance Series, see p. 30

Director’s Choice event

April Havana Cuba All-Stars U.S. Encore Tour featuring Banda Asere and Dancers Back by popular demand, this high-energy ensemble of exceptional Cuban musicians and dancers is dedicated to promoting the entire tapestry of Cuban music through a fresh, contemporary lens. With rhythms and melodies from the cha-cha to the rumba, from son Cubano–style to the salsa, the Havana Cuba All-Stars are joined by three of Cuba’s finest dancing couples. With the greatest dancers and musicians of Cuba working in tandem, the American encore of the Havana Cuba All-Stars’ tour will be a spirited spectacle of song and dance, exemplifying Cuba’s greatest musical traditions.

FRI, APRIL 12, 2019 8PM • JH Add-On

$47 $34 $21

FRI, APR

World Stage Series, see p. 23

SUN, APRIL 14, 2019 2PM • JH Add-On

$38 $30 $21

SUN, APR

Young Artists Competition Young Artists Finalists Showcase The Young Artists Competition weekend kicks off with a very special opportunity to meet the 2018 Founders’ Division finalists.

FRI, APRIL 26, 2019 8PM • VST

SAT, APRIL 27, 2019 10AM • JH

Young Artists Competition Winners Concert Lara Downes hosts the celebratory concert featuring the newlyannounced laureates of the 15th annual Mondavi Center Young Artists Competition.

FRI–SAT, APR

26–27

SAT, APRIL 27, 2019 8PM • VST Add-On

$42 (3 events)

MONDAVIARTS.ORG | 1.866.754.2787

May Storm Large & Le Bonheur As her name portends, Storm Large is every bit the natural phenomenon. After shooting to prominence on Rock Star: Supernova, Large has built a career that includes regular gigs with Pink Martini and the Oregon Symphony as well as her own one-woman shows Crazy Enough and Cabaret. With her longtime band, Le Bonheur, Large leads a bold show that includes the Great American Songbook, Broadway standards, rock anthems and some of her own original songs—alongside some unfiltered stage banter that will entertain (and perhaps elicit) a few blushes along the way.

FRI, MAY 3, 2019 8PM • JH Add-On FRI, MAY

$38 $30 $21

With A Twist Series, see p. 18

Vijay Iyer Sextet Polymath. Genius. Vijay Iyer is no stranger to lofty names being thrown his way. From his first Trio albums, it was clear that his is a unique talent. What is more impressive is how he has grown as a composer and arranger over the past decade. With his sextet, Iyer makes a fascinating leap into ensemble writing that takes advantage of a powerful lineup (cornetist Graham Haynes, drummer Tyshawn Sorey, saxophonists Steve Lehman and Mark Shim and bassist Stephan Crump) veering between tight horn lines, grooves and moments of atmospheric elegance.

TUE, MAY 7, 2019 7PM • JH Add-On

$38 $30 $21

Jackson Hall Jazz Series, see p. 13 TUE, MAY

Abbey Theatre Two Pints by Roddy Doyle Two men meet for a pint. They talk about their Da’s, death, Nigella, North Korea, the afterlife. This is the making of Roddy Doyle’s hilarious and provocative Two Pints, which started as a series of conversations on Facebook and has since evolved into an immersive play from Abbey Theatre of Dublin, and coming to Vanderhoef Studio Theatre Pub. Two Pints exemplifies the company’s vision to imaginatively engage its audiences to become part of the conversation, experienced here through interactions with these fascinating Dubliners. Pull up a stool and listen in as two men, over a couple of pints, chew the fat and set the world to rights.

WED–SAT, MAY

6–11

WED, MAY 8, 2019 7PM • VST THU–SAT, MAY 9–11, 2019 8PM • VST Add-On $30

Director’s Choice event

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May-June Vladimir Feltsman, piano Connections, Influences and Inspirations, Part II Brahms and Schumann Pianist and conductor Vladimir Feltsman is one of the most versatile and commanding musicians of our time. He returns to the Mondavi Center for the second concert in a three-year project—Connections, Influences and Inspirations—featuring a performance that explores the ways in which some of the greatest composers for the keyboard drew on the work of those who came before. Following his 2018 performance (focused on the work of Bach, Haydn and Beethoven), this second performance of the project will focus on the work of Schumann and Brahms.

WED, MAY 8, 2019 7PM • JH Add-On

$67 $53 $38

WED, MAY

SUN, MAY

ConcertSeries, see p. 10

Alexander String Quartet Shostakovich

String Quartet No. 5 in B-flat Major, op. 92 String Quartet No. 6 in G Major, op. 101

SUN, MAY 19, 2019 2PM & 7PM • VST Add-On

$67 (2PM)

$55 (7PM)

ASQ Series, see p. 34

Alexander String Quartet with Joyce Yang, piano Mozart Quartet No. 2 for Piano and Strings in E-flat Major, K. 493 Samuel Adams NEW WORK—Quintet for Piano and Strings Brahms Quintet for Piano and Strings in F Minor, op. 34 The Mondavi Center is a proud co-commissioner of a new work by Samuel Adams for the Alexander String Quartet and pianist Joyce Yang. This special series event will take place in Jackson Hall, and present Adams’ quintet alongside two treasured pieces of chamber music by Mozart and Brahms. Robert Greenberg will not provide commentary for this event.

SUN, JUNE 2, 2019 2PM • JH Add-On $55 ASQ Series, see p. 34

SUN, JUN

MONDAVIARTS.ORG | 1.866.754.2787

Engagement and Education Great performance is often just the beginning of a connection with the creative souls that cross our stage. At the Mondavi Center, we seek out opportunities for our audiences and the community to deepen its connection to the arts.

At the Mondavi Center

On Campus

PRE-PERFORMANCE TALKS (PPT) Context and conversation from UC Davis faculty, guest artists and local experts. These popular halfhour talks are free to all ticket holders.

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS UC Davis students have access to $5 tickets when their professor assigns a Mondavi Center event.

QUESTION & ANSWER SESSIONS (Q&A) A unique opportunity to share reactions and insights following select performances, Q&A sessions feature artists on stage taking questions from the audience.

FIRST-YEAR SEMINARS UC Davis faculty members are invited to design seminars focusing on artists performing at the Mondavi Center. Students attend as many as five performances and take a backstage tour.

SCHOOL MATINEES These hour-long performances serve as an introduction to the variety of art forms presented at the Mondavi Center. Curriculum based, the School Matinees support K–12 California Common Core State Standards.

FIRST-YEAR AGGIE CONNECTIONS Staff and faculty leading first-year “Connections” engage students in discussions surrounding crucial topics related to transitioning to life at UC Davis. They are invited to include Mondavi Center performances in their sessions.

WORKSHOPS Our technical workshops allow students the chance to see some of the best lighting, sound and stage technicians at work.

CLASSROOM VISITS AND WORKSHOPS UC Davis students learn from our visiting artists in classroom discussions, workshops, post-performance discussions and rehearsals.

In the Community Go to mondaviarts.org for enhancement details.

1: RESIDENCY with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra; 2: OPEN MIC NIGHT AT MC; 3: SCHOOL MATINEE AND Q&A SESSION with Dorrance Dance; 4: SENSORY-FRIENDLY EVENT with Curtis On Tour; 5: SEMINAR with Pete Souza.

RESIDENCIES Many artists appearing at the Mondavi Center offer advanced classroom opportunities for aspiring artists at UC Davis and other schools throughout the region.

Photos courtesy of Jim Coulter and Ruth Rosenberg.

| SUPPORT THE ARTS FOR THE FUTURE mondaviarts.org/give

Giving What your donation means.

Thank you to our 2018–19 sponsors Mondavi Center Series Sponsors

You have heard it before: Ticket sales only cover a portion of the real cost of presenting performances. Your additional support enables us to provide valuable services to the community. There are tax advantages to your gift. This is all true, but it misses a very important point. Donating helps you become more than just an audience member. When you make a gift to the Mondavi Center, you enhance your experience both in and out of the theater. You are suddenly a member of a large and caring family. You meet people. You notice more things and you feel like you belong in a new and wonderful way. You have increased access to artists, events and information. So we encourage you to keep the arts alive by making sure there is a welcoming home and a promising future for the arts and artists. But we also encourage you to donate for yourself.

We can’t possibly name all of the benefits for your support here, but the following are some you can consider:

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Opportunity to buy single tickets before the general public ($125+) Invitation to an open rehearsal ($350+) Invitations to “Uncorked” events, special wine experiences throughout the season ($1,750+) Licensed seats ($3,750+) Invitation to an artistic event in a private home ($7,500 +) Recognition as the individual sponsor of a Mondavi Center performance ($11,000+)

Mondavi Center Grantors and Arts Education Sponsors

For a complete list of giving levels and donor benefits, visit mondaviarts.org/give. Go to mondaviarts.org for enhancement details.

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Discounts UC Davis Faculty and Staff*

Accessibility and Policies

• UC Davis faculty and staff save at least 10% on all

Accommodations for Patrons with Disabilities

• 25% discount on all subscription packages.

The Mondavi Center is proud to be a fully accessible state-of-the-art public facility that meets or exceeds all state and federal ADA requirements. Requests for accessible seating, sign language interpreting or real-time captioning may be made when purchasing tickets at 530.754.2787 or TDD 530.754.5402. Please allow at least two weeks’ notice for some accommodations, such as braille programs. Service animals are always welcome, and must be on a leash or harness.

Mondavi Center Presenting Program purchases.

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Current and retired UC Davis faculty and staff are eligible. To qualify for the discount, a UC Davis email address must be provided when ordering. UC Davis retirees must provide a copy of their Aggie ID card. Limit two per event or series.

Student Tickets UC DAVIS STUDENTS Your first ticket is free! 50% off the regular single ticket price throughout the year. Find more information at mondaviarts.org/students.

NON-UC DAVIS STUDENTS 25% off subscriptions and tickets.

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Full-time students age 18 and over, enrolled for the current academic year at an accredited institution and matriculating toward a diploma or a degree (continuing education enrollees are not eligible). Proof Requirements: School ID showing validity for the current academic year or copy of your transcript and/ or tuition bill receipt for the current academic year for a subscription.

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Youth Tickets (age 17 and under) 50% off the regular single ticket price throughout the year.

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A ticket is required for admission of all children regardless of age. Any child attending a performance should be able to sit quietly throughout the performance. Unless otherwise noted in our Family Friendly events, it is recommended for the enjoyment of all patrons that children under the age of 5 not be brought to performances. Student and youth discounts cannot be combined. All prices include $2 per ticket restoration fee.

Listening Enhancement Devices Assistive Listening Devices are installed in both Jackson Hall and the Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. Receivers that can be used with or without hearing aids are available for patrons who have difficulty understanding the dialogue or song lyrics. These may be checked out at the Patron Services Desk in the lobby.

Parking You may purchase parking passes for individual Mondavi Center events for $9 per event at the parking lot or with your ticket order. Rates are subject to change. Parking passes that have been lost or stolen will not be replaced.

Late Seating All events start promptly at the time printed on the ticket. Latecomers will not be seated until the first appropriate pause in the program, as determined by theatre management. For events without an intermission, latecomers will be seated at an appropriate interval at the descretion of the house manager. In some situations, this can mean being given an alternate seat for the event. Thank you for your cooperation. Please note that UC Davis is 100% smoke and tobacco free.

Please visit us online at mondaviarts.org for information on: Seating & Venues: under the menu item “Events & Tickets” Parking & Directions: under the menu item “Visit Us” UC Davis Campus Map: campusmap.ucdavis.edu

| MORE INFO ONLINE mondaviarts.org

For complete Accessibility and Polices information, go to mondaviarts.org under the menu item “Visit Us.”

How to Renew We will be focusing exclusively on you, our renewing subscribers, during this first subscription period. This will allow us to get you the best available seats and help you with any specific seating issues or requests.

Remember to renew by May 4, 2018 Some helpful tips:

• Fill out the Renewal Form and have it ready before you call or visit. • If you need assistance completing the Renewal Form, contact the ticket office: 866.754.2787. • All subscription renewals will be acknowledged with a postcard. Subscriber Benefits Package Add-On Exchange Discount Discount Fee

UC Davis Faculty/Staff

25%

Series Subscriber

20%

15%

Choose-Your-Own 5

15%

10%

Choose-Your-Own 3

10%

Single Ticket

Select 5 or more events

Select 3-4 events

Advance Purchase of Just Added Events

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How to Buy

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By Mail

Important Dates

Fill out the enclosed Renewal Form and return along with payment (check or credit card number to the Ticket Office—see address below.

By Phone

Call our toll-free number to speak to a ticket agent: 866.754.2787.

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In Person Visit the Mondavi Center Ticket Office and work directly with a ticket agent on your request.

Mondavi Center Ticket Office Mailing address:

Mondavi Center Ticket Office University of California, Davis One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616

APRIL 13 • 9AM-NOON Yocha Dehe Grand Lobby Open House for renewing subscribers. MAY 4 Last day to renew your subscription to retain your prices and seating priority. JUNE 1 New subscriptions on sale. Prices subject to change. JUNE 30 Last day to use event credit accrued during the 17–18 season. JULY 12 Last day to subscribe with guaranteed pricing. JULY 13 Single tickets on sale. Prices subject to change.

Hours of Operation: Monday–Saturday, noon to 6:00 p.m. (closed Sundays). Toll-free: 866.754.2787 18–19 MONDAVIARTS.ORG |